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How much pressure? The breather will hold back a bit of pressure in either direction - this is to prevent ingress of water or dirt, it is designed that way.
Some of those breathers were made wrong; the little slot in them is not actually cut all the way through. It's easy enough to fix, so I wouldn't worry about replacing it. Just remove, clean and open the slot if needed.
I just remembered I had a case where the gearbox seemed pressurized, but the breather in fact was clear and the box vented properly. I still don't know why it really seemed pressurized when I opened it.
Found the breather...at least I could see it. No way I was going to get my hands on it without taking much more apart. I'll take it in to the shop after the Slimy Crud Run. Thanks for your valuable help and information!
Update:
As of Sept. 2013, a new transmission breather was installed during a spline lube job. The original breather did not relieve. It had the "V" shaped indent in the inner tube, but it was not cut all the way. Could have cut the slit in it myself, but for $11.82 I installed a new one and kept the evidence as a conversation piece.
Also doing new clutch and brake lines, since the rear brake flexible line was found to have a hairline leak.
Much thanks to Anton, and also to Chris Harris at Affordable Beemer Services in N.H.